Skin problems are common in dogs and cats, and are one of the most frequent reasons that owners bring their pets to the veterinarian. Food allergy: Animals with food allergy can show very similar signs as pets with pollen allergies, but the itching is not seasonal and animals can develop a food allergy at any time in their life—even if they have been eating the same food all along! Fleas: Fleas cause itching and hair loss due to the irritation caused by their bites, secondary bacterial infections, or to a flea bite allergy. Scabies infection, a very itchy and contagious to other dogs, may cause hair loss and a crust to form on their ears and elbows. Cheyletiella mites cause itchy skin and dry scaling on the back, and can infect dogs, cats, people, and rabbits.
Although the main reason for a pet’s itchy skin may be allergies or parasites, they often get secondary bacterial or yeast infections which can keep the itch going even if the underlying cause is treated. In summary, although there are numerous causes of itching in pets, through appropriate diagnostics and treatments, or by referral of tough cases to a specialized veterinary dermatologist, your veterinarian can help your pet become a happier and more comfortable part of your family.
The Dog Health Handbook is not intended to replace the advice of a Veterinarian, Groomer or Pet Health Professional. Ear and skin infections with Staphylococci and Malassezia (yeast) are common secondary to canine AD. Diagnosis of AD is by elimination of other causes of irritation including fleas, scabies and other parasites such as Cheyletiella and lice. Treatment for AD includes avoidance of the offending allergens if possible, but for most dogs this is not practical.
New research into T-cell receptor peptides and their effects on dogs with severe, advanced atopic dermatitis are being investigated by Animal Health Consulting, LLC. A Hot Spot, or acute moist dermatitis, is an acutely inflamed and infected area of skin irritation created and made worse by a dog licking and biting at itself. Infectious skin diseases of dogs include contagious and non-contagious infections or infestations.
Other ectoparasites, including flea and tick infestations are not considered directly contagious but are acquired from an environment where other infested hosts have established the parasite’s life cycle.
Non-contagious skin infections can result when normal bacterial or fungal skin flora is allowed to proliferate and cause skin disease.
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This is ‘Foxx”, a sweet older Corgie with severe allergies and a methicillin resistant Staph. The most common bacteria encountered in veterinary skin infections is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, formerly called Staphylococcus intermedius. This is a picture of crusted papules, redness and rims of flaking that is commonly seen in Staph. Although this sounds bleak, there are ways to prevent resistance from developing, most important is judicious use of antibiotics. An extremely important way to help treat resistant skin infections as well as help prevent resistant skin infections from developing in the first place is topical therapy. Allergy testing can be performed with blood tests or skin tests (like scratch testing in people). This mite is more common in puppies and immunosuppressed animals, and is not contagious to other pets or to people. Scabies mites can be very difficult to find, and often we will trial-treat for scabies based on the dog’s symptoms and appearance, even if we cannot find mites on the skin scrapes. They can also be difficult to find on skin scrapings, and so trial treatment for cheyletiella is warranted if symptoms are consistent with infection. Skin disorders in dogs have many causes, and many of the common skin disorders that afflict people have a counterpart in dogs. Some examples include increased susceptibility to demodectic mange, recurrent skin infections, such as Malassezia infection or bacterial infections. It usually starts between 6 months and 3 years of age with some breeds of dog such as the Golden Retriever starting at an earlier age. Some of the allergens associated with canine AD include pollens of trees, grasses and weeds, as well as molds and House dust mite. Other treatments modulate the adverse immune response to allergens and include antihistamines, steroids, ciclosporin and immunotherapy (a process in which allergens are injected to try to induce tolerance). A hot spot can manifest and spread rapidly in a matter of hours as secondary Staphylococcus infection causes the top layers of the skin to break down and as pus becomes trapped in the hair. According to the Merck Manual of Veterinary Medicine, compulsive licking has the following necessary condition: licking in excess of that required for standard grooming or exploration. Another is mange caused by Demodex (Demodicosis), though this form of mange is not contagious. Common examples in dogs include Staphylococcus intermedius pyoderma, and Malassezia dermatitis caused by overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatis.
These include seborrheic dermatitis, ichthyosis, skin fragility syndrome (Ehlers-Danlos), hereditary canine follicular dysplasia and hypotrichosis, such as color dilution alopecia. These include many endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Syndrome (hyperadrenalcorticism), and tumors of the ovaries or testicles. Infection, allergies and extreme temperatures are often behind the skin conditions seen in babies and children and many are minor and easily treated.
It is intended for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances.
In veterinary medicine skin and ear infections are commonly encountered problems, which are often treated with antibiotics.
For an antibiotic to be effective the bacteria must be susceptible to the antibiotic, the antibiotic must reach the site of infection, and the antibiotic must be given at an appropriate dose for an appropriate length of time to clear the infection. Your veterinarian will collect a sample from the surface of the skin and put it onto a microscope slide. There are many medicated shampoos, sprays and ointments that can help treat bacterial skin infections.

However, we can work together to prevent further development of methicillin resistance by combining judicious systemic antibiotic use with topical antimicrobials, monitoring response to treatment with cytology, and culturing when appropriate therapies fail. Fortunately, we can break most of the causes down into a few categories: allergies, skin parasites, and skin infections. Blood allergy testing is more convenient and can be performed by most veterinarians, but may be less accurate than skin testing.
All types of mites are diagnosed by microscopic analysis of skin scrapings performed by a veterinarian. Treatment options include weekly prescription antiparasitic dips, or daily oral antiparasitic prescription medications such as ivermectin or milbemycin. Treatment options for scabies mange include weekly prescription insecticidal dips for 4-6 weeks, or systemic antiparasitic prescription medications such as Revolution, ivermectin or milbemycin given every 1- 2 weeks for 6 weeks.
Treatment options are the same as for scabies mites, and all animals in the household have to be treated at the same time, or they will pass the mites back and forth. Yeast infection can cause skin to look thickened and “elephant-like.” Diagnosis is made by the veterinarian with analysis of skin samples under the microscope.
The condition of dog’s skin and coat can also be an important indicator of its general health.
This category also includes hypersensitivity disorders such as atopic dermatitis, and skin diseases caused by autoimmunity, such as pemphigus and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Food allergy can be associated with identical signs and some authorities consider food allergy to be a type of atopic dermatitis. In many cases shampoos and ear cleaners may be needed to try to prevent the return of infections.
Hot spots can be treated with corticosteroid medications and oral as well as topical antibiotic application, as well as clipping hair from around the lesion. You can learn to recognise some of the most common conditions, but remember, always seek medical advice for a correct diagnosis and treatment. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. As in human medicine, the more antibiotic exposure an animal has had, the more likely the chance of developing a resistant infection.
You may be familiar with the term MRSA, which stands for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (a type of bacteria most commonly found on people). In the case of skin infections, beta-lactam drugs such as cephalexin or cefpodoxime are commonly chosen as first line antibiotics. After staining the slide, bacteria can be seen by examining the slide under the microscope.
Skin allergy testing tests the actual organ that is involved in the allergy (the skin), so is more accurate than blood testing, and is typically performed by veterinary dermatologists. The symptoms of food allergy usually do not improve much with anti-itch medications, and the diagnosis and treatment is to feed the pet a hypoallergenic diet using a protein source that they have never been exposed to before. Cats may also develop small crusts on their skin that are similar in appearance to tiny millet seeds (miliary dermatitis). Skinscrapings are monitored monthly by the veterinarian to determine when it is safe to stop medication, and most dogs are treated for an average of 3-4 months. With scabies, all dogs in the household must be treated at the same time, even if they are not showing signs yet, because some dogs can carry the mites and have no symptoms. Skin infections should be treated with a 2-6 week course of appropriate oral antibiotics or antiyeast medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Skin disorders of dogs vary from acute, self-limiting problems to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-time treatment. Underlying inciting causes include flea allergy dermatitis, ear disease or other allergic skin diseases.
Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the BootsWebMD Site. Methicillin resistance occurs when Staphylococcus bacteria acquire the ability to prevent common antibiotics to bind to their surface, which makes them resistant to killing by these antibiotics.
For superficial skin infection, these antibiotics should be given for 3 to 4 weeks, or for at least 1 week past clinical cure. Cytology is also helpful to determine if the chosen antibiotics are effectively clearing the skin infection. It is uncommon for bacteria to develop resistance to topical antimicrobials, thus these products can be effective even in the face of methicillin resistance.
Once the allergy test results are known, allergic pets can receive allergy shots (just like people!) to desensitize them to the pollen. Switching to another commercial diet usually does not help, because most of these diets have similar ingredients. Herding breeds such as Collies, Shelties, Aussies, Border Collies and sheepdogs should not receive ivermectin due to risk of lethal toxicity, and all treatments should be prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian.
Dogs with scabies may also have secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections which contribute to the itch. In cases where the allergens are seasonal the clinical signs of irritation are similarly seasonal, but many dogs with house dust mite allergy have perennial disease. Instead, this skin infection is caused by a fungus living off dead skin, hair and nail tissue. When Staphylococcus bacteria become resistant to methicillin, they are then resistant to an entire class of antibiotics, including the most commonly used and otherwise effective antibiotics like cephalexin. Signs of a bacterial skin infection include crusting, alopecia, erythema, papules, pustules, epidermal collarettes, malodor and itching. If the infection is not clearing with appropriate antibiotic use, then a culture and sensitivity is indicated to determine a more appropriate antibiotic.
Although not a cure or a quick-fix, allergy hyposensitization injections help 70-75% of allergic pets to decrease symptoms and need for other medications, and address the cause of the allergies, not just the symptoms.
A better alternative is a hypoallergenic diet with single unique protein ingredients such as fish, rabbit, duck, or venison, with a single carbohydrate such as potato or rice, and no other treats, table scraps, rawhides, milkbones, chewable supplements or other foods for at last 6-8 weeks.

With the availability of the effective veterinary prescription monthly flea treatment products, flea allergy has become easier to treat. Again, herding breeds should not receive ivermectin due to risk of lethal toxicity, and all treatments should be prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian. Animals that have recurrent infections need to be screened for allergies or hormonal conditions and have the underlying cause identified and treated.
Starting as a red, scaly patch or bump, it develops into itchy red ring(s) with raised, blistery or scaly borders. Once resistance has developed, these infections can be difficult to treat due to limited antibiotic options. This is when a sterile swab is touched to the surface of the skin and sent to a microbiology laboratory.
Ringworm is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal and by sharing items like towels or sports equipment. There, the laboratory staff will grow the bacteria, determine the type of bacteria and also give information about which antibiotics will kill the bacteria. Treatment of secondary bacterial skin infections and temporary anti-itch medication (steroids) are also often needed while the flea problem is being brought under control. Although fleas are uncommon in the Southwest due to our hot dry climate, pets may be exposed when they travel to California or other flea-endemic areas. Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease)A contagious and usually mild illness that passes in a couple of weeks, fifth disease starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a face and body rash. If the itchy symptoms have resolved in 6-8 weeks, new food allergens can be added one at a time every 2-3 weeks (ie. Treatment includes rest, fluids and painkillers (do not use aspirin in children under 16), but look out for signs of more serious illness.
ChickenpoxChickenpox is very contagious, spreading easily, leaving an itchy rash and red spots or blisters all over the body. It isn't usually serious in healthy children and once you've had it, you're unlikely to get it again. Most children only need treatment at home, including rest and medication to reduce itching, fever and other flu-like symptoms. A chickenpox vaccine is licensed in the UK, but not included in routine NHS childhood vaccinations.
ImpetigoA contagious infection, impetigo causes red sores or blisters that can break open, ooze, and develop a yellow-brown crust.
Impetigo can be spread to others through close contact or by sharing items like towels and toys. Antibiotic cream or ointment usually cures it, but sometimes oral antibiotics may be needed. WartsSkin growths caused by contact with the contagious human papillomavirus, warts can spread from person-to-person or via contact with an object used by a person with the virus. Prevent the spread of warts by not picking them, covering them with bandages, and keeping them dry. Prickly heat rashThe result of blocked sweat ducts, heat rash looks like small red or pink pimples. Appearing over an infant's head, neck, chest and shoulders, the rash is often caused when well-meaning parents dress a baby too warmly, but it can happen to any infant in very hot weather.
A baby should be dressed as lightly as an adult who is resting; though their feet and hands may feel cool to the touch, this is usually not a problem. Contact dermatitisContact dermatitis is a reaction caused by touching a substance, such as food, soap, or the oil of certain poisonous plants. Minor cases may cause mild skin redness or a rash of small red bumps, while severe reactions can cause swelling, redness and larger blisters. Poison ivy is not found in the UK, but make sure you keep children away from it while on holiday in countries like the US.
Hand-foot-mouth disease (coxsackie)This common, contagious childhood illness starts with a raised temperature, then painful mouth sores and a non-itchy rash, with blisters on hands, feet and sometimes the buttocks and the legs, following.
It is also present in the stools of an infected person and can remain there for up to four weeks after symptoms have cleared, so frequent hand-washing is important to prevent spread of the infection. Home treatment includes ibuprofen or paracetamol (do not give aspirin to children under 16) and lots of fluids. EczemaA chronic problem causing dry skin, intense itching and a raised rash, some children outgrow eczema, or have milder cases as they get older. What causes eczema isn't clear, but those affected may have a personal history of allergies and asthma and a sensitive immune system. Medication, foods like eggs, nuts and shellfish, food additives, temperature extremes and infections like a sore throat can cause the rash. After one to two days, a red rash with a sandpaper texture appears and after seven to fourteen days, the rash fades away. Roseola (Roseola infantum)A mild, contagious illness, roseola is most common in children aged six months to two years and is rare after the age of four.
The symptoms are respiratory illness, followed by a high fever (which can trigger seizures) for around 3 to 4 days. Fevers abruptly end and are followed by a rash of small, pink, flat or slightly raised bumps on the trunk, then the extremities.
The fever can be managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not use aspirin in children under 16).

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